Few gave India a chance to snatch a point, forget three, against UAE in today’s World Cup qualifier in Bangalore. What happened, however, is certain to become a landmark in the history of Indian football.

“I always felt it was possible, told everybody to be positive and believe in our abilities,” skipper Bhaichung Bhutia told The Telegraph after the 1-0 win against the 1990 World Cuppers, now coached by Frenchman Henry Michel.

“The entire team fought and it was the fighting spirit which kept us going. Everybody gave their 100 per cent,” he said.

Unusually relaxed, considering the value of the win, Bhutia hoped it should serve as a shot in the arm for Indian football.

“Look, there are problems in the game in India but such wins can only boost chances of a revival. Not just in the context of the tournament, this win was very important for us.”

The match was not just against a team which boasts of better technique and physique apart from being miles ahead in preparation, it was perhaps also a mental battle — to prove to themselves that such opponents can actually be beaten.

“That is what I have been telling everybody after arriving from England — that we can. In modern football, you can’t survive if you aren’t positive,” he said.

The first hurdle crossed, Bhutia said the aim now would be to maintain the rhythm and overcome complacency. “We have to remember this is not the end of world and there won’t be any easy matches.

“Without thinking of what may happen, we have to take one game at a time and give our best. Today’s game taught us that we can,” he said, adding there would be no party tonight to celebrate.

BSF EYE 5TH TITLE

BY A STAFF REPORTER

Calcutta, April 8:

Border Security Force will be vying for their fifth Beighton Cup title when they take on Central Industrial Security Force in the final tomorrow.

It will be the Jalandhar side’s sixth entry into the title-round having last won the title in 1998.

CISF, on the other hand, will be hoping to make their maiden entry into the final memorable.

Both teams were seeded in the same group in the quarter final league, their engagement having ended 1-1.

BSF are confident about their chances but the final will sure to be a different battle altogether.

CISF, like the securitymen, have depended more on team game for their success. They will look to Gregory Vincent Xaxa — the highest scorer in the meet so far with seven goals, including a hattrick versus Army XI — for the goals.

With a handsome prize money awaiting both teams (Rs 1 lakh for the champion and Rs 50,000 for the runners-up), the final is likely to be a keenly contested affair.

The bouncy natural turf at the Mohun Bagan ground could, however, come in the way of the players’ performance.